New Display at the Jane Austen House Museum

The dining room wall at the Jane Austen House museum at Chawton Cottage is exhibiting a new explanatory display of Sense and Sensibility. The novel celebrated its 200 year anniversary in 2011.The designs were based on the coloured illustrations by the brothers, Charles Edmund ( C. E.) and Henry Matthew (H. M.) Brock of Cambridge. These were included in the 1908 edition of the novel published by Dent and Company.

Click on image to read the text. Then click on link to see other images.

Information about the display sits on the new The Jane Austen's House Museum blog, written by Julie Wakefield, author of Austenonly.

Mr. Palmer Discusses His Fellow Minor Characters

Gentle Readers, This month I have joined the Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Celebration on Maria Grazia's My Jane Austen Book Club blog. Click on the banner on the sidebar to read the other articles posted each month in celebration of Jane Austen's first published book. The first half of my post about Mr. Palmer's observations of his fellow minor characters in the book sits here. The rest of the article sits on My Jane Austen Book Club. 

I, Thomas Palmer, Esq., have been charged to analyze and discuss the traits of my fellow minor characters in Sense and Sensibility, the first of six novels by Jane Austen. I shall endeavor to do JUSTICE to that estimable author's first published effort, which made its way to the public some 200 years ago and has never failed to be in print since.

I must first cast my thoughts upon Fanny and John Dashwood, whose miserliness oblidged the Dashwood women to leave their comfortable home at Norland to establish themselves in Barton Cottage and live a FRUGAL life in Devonshire amongst strangers. Miss Austen was a mere 20 years of age when she first conceived of this novel in epistolary form, first naming it Elinor and Marianne. That such a young author, whose knowledge of the world was CONFINED largely to books and the experiences of others, could create two such memorable characters as Fanny and John Dashwood portended her genius.

Fanny in particular is a character like no other in literature. Her manipulation of her weak husband in persuading him to abandon his PLEDGE to his father on that man's deathbed is breathtaking in its audacity and avarice. The sequence of her skewed logic and her husband's reaction to her CONTRIVANCE to preserve every pence of her darling son's inheritance is matchless. Even I could not have conceived of a more cynical, darkly humorous dialog than young Miss Austen presented through these two minor characters, thereby setting the novel's direction and tone. “People always live for ever when there is an annuity to be paid them.” One simply cannot add or take away a word to improve this utterance by Mrs. Dashwood.

The John Dashwoods represent, like so many minor characters, a FOIL – brilliantly conceived foils, to be sure – that are meant to contrast with other characters. Take my rather vulgar brother-in-law, Sir John Middleton, who is renowned for his generous impulses. Whilst the Dashwood ladies were figuratively shoved out of Norland by the John Dashwoods, Sir John, a distant relation, emerges from nowhere to offer them a hearth and home. The CONTRAST twixt the two Johns – one so weak and tight-fisted that he willing to break his vow to his dying father, the other so generous that he is forever inviting the entire neighborhood to sample the contents of his larder – cannot be ignored.

I next turn my gaze upon the Steele sisters, Lucy and Anne. Anne is a flat minor character who is doomed to learn nothing from life's experiences, but who interjects a running COMIC gag over her obsession with Dr. Davies (he will never offer his hand in marriage). Her main purpose in the novel is to REVEAL the engagement of Lucy to Edward at a most awkward moment.

Her sister Lucy, a smarter, prettier version of Anne, is as mean, cunning and scheming a creature as I have ever come across. I had her measure from the start, I assure you. Lucy's sole ambition is to ingratiate herself with her betters in order to take her place in SOCIETY. Knowing of Edward Ferrars' attraction to Miss Dashwood, she makes a preemptive strike by CONFIDING her secrets to Elinor, forcing our hapless heroine to LISTEN to matters that, while they pain her deeply, she must keep to herself. Many minor characters play the role of confidante to a novel's protagonist, but Lucy Steele turned the table on Elinor, forcing her to listen to matters that were most distasteful and hurtful. Our scheming Lucy more than turned the table on Edward, eloping with his younger brother Robert when it becomes apparent that the latter will INHERIT the Ferrars fortune of £1,000 per year. One can only cheer knowing that this feckless couple will always be dissatisfied with each other, always wanting more possessions.

To read the rest of the article, click here to enter My Jane Austen Book Club

Click here to read the other articles in this year long series:

1. January          Jennifer Becton    

Men, Marriage and Money in Sense and Sensibility

2. February      Alexa Adams         

Sense and Sensibility on Film

3. March            C. Allyn Pierson

Property and Inheritance Law in S &S 

4. April               Beth Pattillo

Lost in Sense and Sensibility

5. May                Jane Odiwe

Willoughby: a rogue on trial

6. June               Deb @JASNA Vermont

Secrets in Sense and Sensibility

7. July                Laurie Viera Rigler

Interview with Lucy Steele

8. August           Regina Jeffers       

Settling for the Compromise Marriage

9. September    Lynn Shepherd

The origins of S&S: Richardson, Jane Austen, Elinore & Marianne                                        

10. October       Meredith @Austenesque Reviews

Sense and Sensibility Fan Fiction

11. November   Vic @Jane Austen's World  

Mr. Palmer Discusses His Fellow Minor characters in Sense and Sensibility

12. December    Laurel Ann @Austenprose

Marianne Dashwood: A passion for dead Leaves and other Sensibilities

In Willoughby's Arms - Illustrated Books

I have a few illustrated Sense and Sensibility books, but not all of them have the scene with Willoughby carrying Marianne after her fall.  Except for the C. E. Brock watercolor that I've picked up from Mollands, the rest of the illustrations are photographs of my Jane Austen collection.

Design and paint: C. E. Brock  - RittenHouse Classics
Watercolor: C. E. Brock
Painting: A. A. Dixon - Collins Clear-Type  (I have doubts about the technique, if someone can identify it, please let us know. Thank you.)
Pen and ink: Bessie Darling Inglis - Thomas Nelson & Sons
Woodcut: Joan Hassall - The Folio Society, 1958

Contributed by : Raquel Sallaberry, Jane Austen em Portugues

Misogynistic Review of Sense and Sensibility

It's a good thing that Punch Shaw waited to post his review of Sense and Sensibility, a play written by Jon Jory  and showing at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center, until the last day of JASNA's annual meeting in that fair city. The janeites were probably too busy packing, attending the last few workshops, and thinking about other plans to pay his words much attention. Otherwise they might have marched en masse to his house and clobbered him with their parasols.

Punch writes his review, You'll Like Sense and Sensibility ... If You're a Woman,  for two audiences: one for women and the other for men. His review aimed at women goes like this: yadayadayadayayada-do.

His review aimed at men is also a waste of space and ether:

Do not, under any circumstances, allow yourself to be dragged to this overstuffed sofa of a show. No matter how badly you messed up, you did not mess up enough to merit having to sit through this parade of weepy women in strange dresses prattling on about feelings and stuff. Remember that Merchant Ivory film festival she made you go to? Well this is worse. 

Fake a fatal disease or, if necessary, enter the Federal Witness Protection Program, but do not subject yourself to this British-accented wallow in tortured romance.

Go at him, Janeites! Click here and tell him what you think.

In Willoughby's Arms - Theatre

This year is the Sense and Sensibility's bicentenary, so we must have a little pleasure.

How about Willoughby's arms? In the theater, of course!

1) Sense and Sensibility, in Butleigh Manor, Somerset, by Chapterhouse Theatre Company.

Marianne Dashwood — Heather Mason
Willoughby — Simon Kent
Elinor Dashwood — Cassandra Hodges
Edward Ferrars — Ed Pemberton
Colonel Brandon — Ash Baines (more here)

2) Sense and Sensibility, in Silicon Valley, by Theatre Works.

Marianne Dashwood — Katie Fabel
Willoughby — Michael Scott Mclean
Elinor Dashwood — Jennifer Le Blanc
Edward Ferrars — Thomas Gorrebeeck
Colonel Brandon — Mark Anderson Phillips (more here)

Posted by Raquel Sallaberry, Jane Austen Português

Jane Austen Book Covers Illustrated by Audrey Niffenegger

Aren't these book covers arresting? We thought so. They were illustrated by Audrey Niffenegger. We can't wait to see more. This edition of Sense and Sensibility will be available in October.

AUDREY NIFFENEGGER (b. South Haven, Michigan, 1963)

Audrey Niffenegger grew up in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois. She teaches writing, letterpress printing, lithography, intaglio, and book making at the Columbia College Chicago Center for Book and Paper Arts as well, and she teaches printmaking at the North Shore Art League.- Audrey Niffenegger by Mark Flanagan

Received a B.F.A. from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1985 and an M.F.A. from Northwestern University in 1991. Talented writer and printmaker, awards include an Artist Grant from the Vogelstein Foundation, a Union League Art Scholarship from the Union League Civic Arts Foundation and a George D. and Isabella A. Brown Travelling Fellowship from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Exhibitions include group exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago), Chicago Cultural Center and the Spertus Museum. This bio of Audrey Niffenegger is from the Fashion Spot

Idea contributed by Raquel Sallaberry, Jane Austen em Português

Sense & Sensibility - Listen and Read with CC Prose

I've recommended to readers who have a difficult time with Jane Austen's prose to listen to her novels in podcasts, tapes, or CDs. This interactive series allows newbies to Jane Austen to read her prose and listen at the same time. Click here to read/listen to 50 chapters of Sense and Sensibility with synchronized text, interactive transcript, and closed captions.



I can download these videos onto my iTouch, and listen/read to them whenever I have some spare time.All audio on this channel is through the courtesy of Librivox.org.

Jane Austen Character Throwdown

Which Jane Austen secondary character would you be friends with? Part 2. In last week's friend showdown, you overwhelmingly voted for Colonel Fitzwilliam and Eleanor Tilney, with Mrs. Gardiner a close third. Poor Lady Russell came dead last with a little over 5% of the votes. This week you will consider characters from Sense and Sensibility, Emma, and Mansfield Park. You may pick as many as you like, or none.

Emma & Mrs. Weston

Emma

Mrs. Weston (Miss Taylor)

Robert Martin

Sir John Middleton & Mrs. Jennings

Sense and Sensibility

Mrs. Jennings

Sir John Middleton

Pug by Gainsborough

Mansfield Park

Pug

Mrs. Grant

Which secondary Jane Austen character would you be friends with?
	Mrs Weston (Miss Taylor)
	Robert Martin
	Mrs Jennings
	Sir John Middleton
	Pug
	Mrs Grant
pollcode.com free polls

Film Friday

Scents and Sensibility, a modern adaptation of Sense and Sensibility and starring Ashley Williams (Something Borrowed), Marla Sokoloff (Hallmark Channel’s Flower Girl and ABC Family’s Christmas in Boston), and Nick Zano (What I Like About You and Everything You Want) is coming soon. Scents and Sensibility was filmed in 2010 and is currently in the last stages of post production. It is a more comedic telling of Jane Austen’s story. Follow Elinor and Marianne through a sometimes hilarious job search and a journey of learning to trust their hearts.



Check out the film's Facebook page, or "Like" Scents and Sensibility for behind-the-scenes content.

Synopsis:

Scents and Sensibility brings the 1800’s story to the present day with a comedic twist. After their father is charged with swindling investors, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood must make their own way in the world. Having always been given everything they needed, they struggle to find jobs where being a Dashwood isn't a major impediment.

While Elinor finds work as a janitor at a spa, Marianne finds a position at a marketing firm. Their struggle to make ends meet – especially so they can help their mother pay for critical medicine for their youngest sister – is complicated by the risks of love. Their burdens are only lightened by Marianne's hobby of making scented lotions. They learn that one lotion has amazing properties that soothe aches and pains, which they begin selling to supplement their resources. But others learn of the scented lotion formula, which could be worth a fortune.

Marla Zokoloff (Marianne) and Nick Zano (Brandon)

As the sisters strive to overcome the obstacles in their lives, they wonder whom they can trust to help along the way? With all the turmoil can they balance relying on their hearts and using their good sense without losing everything?

Brad Johnson (Edward) and Ashley Williams (Elinor)

Cast:

Ashley Williams – Elinor Dashwood

Marla Sokoloff – Marianne Dashwood

Danielle Chuchran – Margarett Dashwood

Jim Christian – Mr. Dashwood

Brad Johnson – Edward Farris

Nick Zano – Brandon

Jason Celaya – John Willoughby

Jaclyn Hales – Lucy Steele

Dee Macaluso – Mrs. Jennings

The release date has not yet been set.

Sense and Sen­si­bi­lity, Octo­ber or Novem­ber? part 2

Last February I wrote a post for Jane Austen Today about the discrepancy of a publication date for Sense and Sen­si­bi­lity: Octo­ber or Novem­ber?

I continue having doubts, but reading the Laura Engels' introduction to Sense and Sensibility, Barnes & Noble edition, while it does not provide certainty, it is at least an explanation. What caught my attention in the Introduction (picture below) was this excerpt:

"The inicial advertisement for the novel, which appeared in the Morning Chronicle on 31, 1811, refers to the author as 'A Lady'."

Indeed, the book should have been printed when it was announced and I only regret not having found a newspaper picture on that date. With this information I figured that the Cambridge edition [¹] possibly chose the advertising date - October - as the publication date. An Oxford edition chose the month of November, for reasons unknown to me..

[¹] Note that the date of Cambridge issue is Oct. 30th, and the advertising on the Morning Chronicle says 31 October. Would there have been advertising in other newspapers on October 30?

Posted by Raquel Sallaberry, Jane Austen em Portugues

Join Jane Austen at the Classroom Salon

This post was published by Mags at Austenblog, who also graciously allowed me to publish it on this blog.

We are pleased to announce that the Gentle Readers of AustenBlog, as well as Janeites everywhere, have been invited to join a discussion of Sense and Sensibility at Classroom Salon, a free discussion platform from Carnegie Mellon University. Using this tool, one may select any section of text, make comments, answer questions, and see and respond to the comments and questions. The Salon team at Carnegie Mellon is starting to post the text of Sense and Sensibility so that you can now join fellow Janeites inside the novel. The Editrix has contributed some discussion questions as well.

A few things you should know about this Austen playground:

1. This is the latest, the greatest and the coolest, but it’s also a beta. It’s not difficult to use and there are basic instructions (which you can annotate and improve), but you’ll need to find your own way without too much guidance. An adventure!
2. The Sense and Sensibility beta is limited, so you’ll need to be one of the first fifty people to sign up. If you’re not, they’ll put you on a waitlist.
3. A new chapter will be opened for annotation about once a week.
4. If there is sufficient demand, the Salon team will start to post Jane’s other works as well.
5. The beta is completely free. It’s always possible that the University might decide to commercialize the platform at some point in the future, but the inventors are hoping to always maintain a free version.
6. Don’t worry if you’re the first or second or third commentator. Responses will breed more responses, and with lots of participation, we’ll have a rich, crowd-sourced online version of Sense and Sensibility.

How to Sign Up:

1. Go to http://www.classroomsalon.org/redirect/redirect.aspx?action=viewSalon&id=172 (new link; will take you directly to the S&S Salon)
2. Enter a name, email address and password and the registration code “Facebook Jane,” then click on Sign Up.
3. Sign in. This should take you to the Sense & Sensibility Salon.
4. Click to Join the Sense & Sensibility Salon.
5. You will receive email notification when you’ve been approved by the Salon owner. When you receive the approval, just click on the link in the email and you’re in.

Before you start annotating and engaging, you might want to have a look at the “Working with Documents in a Salon” document in the Salon. Feel free to annotate this document, as well.

Chapter 1 opens on Sunday morning, May 22 at 7 a.m., so sign up now and be the first on your block.

Happy Annotating!

NOTE: Classroom Salon works best in Firefox.

Scents and Sensibility

The trailer is out; the movie can't be far behind in this year of Sense and Sensibilities' 200 year anniversary.



Learn more about the film in this post on Jane Austen's World, contributed by Adriana Zardini.

Here's a link to the Facebook page.

The Jane Austen Character I Most Identify With

Gentle Readers, Laurel Anne from Austenprose and I were chatting the other day about this, that, and the other, for we are both a bit Jane Austen nutty (if you haven't noticed.) As you continue reading, you will need to know only one thing:  we are just a wee bit longer in the tooth than Jane's young heroines:

LA: Vic and I were chatting on the phone today. Over the course of our three plus year Austen-inspired friendship we have mostly emailed, so this was a treat. She has the most infectious laugh which made me laugh too. Of course we were talking about our favorite author and she remarked that Austen excelled at humor and the amazing secondary characters she developed. Somehow it just popped out and I boldly asked her what Jane Austen character she most identified with. Without hesitation she replied, Lady Russell from Persuasion. “Lady Russell?” I replied in surprise! “Well, yes.”

Jane Rus.., er, Mrs. Russell

She then revealed that she is often wrong about the advice she gives people. At work she gathers the young-uns around her and freely offers opinions, whether they are solicited or not. When she gives wrong counsel - which she admits is more often than not - she torpedos herself in a most spectacular fashion. “The error of my ways does not go unnoticed by this unforgiving crowd. Unlike Lady Russell, I will own up to a misteak, er, mistake or two, and apologize for having interfered, but I hold the line at groveling.”

Another reason why she identifies with this character is her independence. Lady Russell is a widow with a healthy income and she has no intention of remarrying and being subjugated by a man. “I am a divorced woman who has discovered the joys of living singly on my own terms and by my own schedule. Ah, what total, selfish bliss!”

Vic further admitted that at a party, or when she lets her hair loose, she starts to resemble Mrs. Jennings. You know the type: a bit vulgar, out for a good time, giggling at precisely the wrong moments, and making those with a more composed nature feel uncomfortable with crass jokes and loud language. “Like Mrs. Jennings, I have a good heart. But I can be out there and in your face too. I might seem unseemly to a quieter person like Elinor, and be totally disliked by the likes of a Marianne, but my friends and family get me, and that’s what counts.”

Oh Vic! You are such a card. Lady Russell and Mrs. Jennings? She then turned the tables on me. “Now, who do you identify with in Jane’s novels? Are you like me, a bossy and interfering carouser? Or are your a bit more sedate and ladylike?”

Harriet Smith (Tony Collette) patiently poses for Emma

Vic: “Sedate. A total Harriet Smith,” LA replied. Many years ago a dear Janeite friend tagged her as a Harriet to her Emma. “It seemed appropriate since I was often asking for advice and was very mailable to change.” In her view, Harriet was a bit of a ditz and gullible which she has been accused of too. The thing she liked about being a Harriet is that Austen gave her such a great ending. She is resilient, and after being tossed about in love no less than three times in a year, Harriet gets the man she wanted in the first place and proves Emma, with her self-important airs, was totally clueless about the human heart. “I like having the last laugh, and being right.” ;-)

Sir John Middleton (Robert Hardy) and Mrs. Jennings (Elizabeth Spriggs)

Lately LA thinks she has evolved into Sir John Middleton from Sense and Sensibility. He was the Dashwood’s cousin and landlord of Barton Cottage. He is very gracious and likes to pop in and make sure his tenants are comfortable and entertained. He is a bit of a bore and talks too much about things that are not of interest to his young companions, but he likes dogs, has a good heart and loves to laugh. “As an enthusiastic bookseller, I like to inform customers of their choices and make suggestions. I am also a bit of an organizer and enjoy planning events on my blog, and orchestrating the 23 authors in my anthology. It is like herding cats, but I like being the boss of my own world!”

"One man's ways may be as good as another's, but we all like our own best." - Persuasion, Ch 13

Now our question. Which Jane Austen character do you, estimable viewer, most identify with, or which character are you afraid of becoming? Feel free to leave your comments!

Join in the Sense and Sensibility Homage

The rules are simple: You just have to take a pic of the book (or DVD of any of the adaptations or both if you want), with your place as background, or a beautiful spot from your city/town.

Click here to read the rules and how to submit your image. You can view the images there as well.

Jane Austen Throwdown

Today's question is simple and in honor of Sense and Sensibility's 200 years of publication: Will Marianne Dashwood ever grow up? Does Marianne mature with age and temper her sensibilities? Or does she remain largely the same despite the passing years, and become a thorn in Colonel Brandon's side?

No, Marianne will essentially stay the same. People might grow older, but their personalities don't change all that much. She will remain high strung and selfish all her life. Poor Colonel Brandon will have a handful to deal with throughout his marriage.

Yes, Marianne will mature. She is only seventeen and highly romantic, as the young tend to be. Her marriage to Colonel Brandon will temper her, and she is a good It is unrealistic to expect that people are exactly the same at 34 as they are at 17. Colonel Brandon will not be like Mr. Bennet, abandoning his wife to her silliness, but will take an active part in her growing up.

I can't decide. Marianne has many good qualities - that of loyalty to her family, for example - but she loves too much and her emotions get the better of her. The truth is somewhere in the middle. There will be times when she acts her age, but she will always be histrionic.

Will Marianne Dashwood Ever Grow Up?
	No
	Yes
	I can't decide
pollcode.com free polls

Journal in honor of Sense and Sensibility

Like all Janeites I'm celebrating the bicentenary of Sense and Sensibility on my blog, Jane Austen in Portuguese, and also with my handmade journals. 

These two notebooks are based on C. E. Brock's illustrations (from my Jane Austen's collection) and they portray the Dashwood sisters and their boyfriends. Here I must apologize to Colonel Brandon's fans, but there is not a unique romantic illustration of the colonel! Not in my book or in my opinion.

On Etsy: Elinor and Marianne

Posted by Raquel Sallaberry, Jane Austen em Português

Sense and Sensibility, October or November?

Writing about the Sense and Sensibility's Bicentennary, I came across a discrepancy in the first edition publication's date. Reading Jane Austen: Facts and Problems, by R. W. Chapman I found the following date in the Chronology Index:

1811 Nov. Sense and Sensibility: A Novel. In three volumes. By a Lady. T. Egerton.

In the edition (2006) of Sense and Sensibility by Cambridge , with Janet Todd's presentation, she mentions Deirdre Le Faye's chronology, with the month of October. The precise day is October 30:

1811
February JA starts planning Mansfield Park.
30 October S&S published.
? Winter JA starts revising ‘First Impressions’ into Pride and Prejudice.

Perhaps there is a study on these dates, but I could not find it. And that is why I am asking your help. Thank you all!

Posted by Raquel Sallaberry, Jane Austen em Português

Jane Austen Throwdown: Mrs. Ferrars' Parenting Style

Mrs. Ferrars, Jean Marsh

While aware that almost all of Jane Austen's parents have their character flaws, I have chosen one parent who has been on my mind lately: Mrs Ferrars from Sense and Sensibility. Which child was the most negatively affected by her lack of parenting skills, whether by personality or economic circumstance or choice of mate?

Which sibling was most affected by Mrs. Ferrar's motherly style?

Fanny, Claire Skinner

Mrs. Fanny Dashwood

As snobbish as her mother, Mrs. Dashwood thinks only of her own consequence and comfort. She convinces her husband to disregard his promise to his dying father of making sure his step family is financially secure, and is manipulative and cruel in her actions towards the Dashwood women after Mr. Dashwood's death. Fanny echoes her mother's sentiments about Edward's choices in life, and favors Robert,  Meanspirited, self-absorbed, and myopic about her own fortune, this bitter nut did not fall far from the matriarchal tree.

Edward, Dan Stevens

Edward Ferrars

As eldest son, Edward is commanded to do his mother's bidding. He felt that had he been given some employment and something useful to do in his earlier years, his 18-year-old self would not have had the time to pursue his romantic inclinations towards Lucy Steele, and that he would have soon gotten over his tendre towards this most unsuitable woman. He is disinherited by his mother when she learns about his engagement to Lucy, and must make his own way in the world on a barely livable income, watching his brother reap the financial rewards that were his by right. Imagine what good deeds Edward and his thrifty Elinor might have accomplished had his mother approved of his marriage to a more worthy woman than Lucy ( which she failed to see) and provided him with a larger income.

Robert, Leo Bill

Robert Ferrars

Robert, an effete snob if ever there was one, is as mean-spirited as his sister. Although he is recipient of his brother's fortune, he lack of empathy for Edward's situation. He also lacks his sister Fanny's instinct for self-preservation, and makes the mistake of marrying Lucy Steele. After sitting in his mother's proverbial doghouse for a while, he and Lucy are welcomed back with open arms and her full support. But Lucy is as calculating and manipulative as ever and makes his life hell, so that soon all the couple does is quarrel. In Robert's case, beware what you wish for.

Which sibling was most affected by Mrs. Ferrars' motherly style?
	Fanny Dashwood
	Edward Ferrars
	Robert Ferrars
pollcode.com free polls

Jane Austen Duel

This week's post asks you to examine the weapon Willoughby would have preferred when Colonel Brandon challenged him to a duel. The practice was already out of favor when Jane Austen wrote Sense and Sensibility, and outlawed in England in 1840. Colonel Brandon was quite cryptic in his description of the event to Elinor:

Pistols being readied

... when he returned to town, which was within a fortnight after myself, we met by appointment, he to defend, I to punish his conduct. We returned unwounded, and the meeting, therefore, never got abroad."

Duels were fought in isolated areas at the break of dawn

And so we ask you, which weapons do you think Willoughby chose? Sword or pistol? Did he want closeness during the fight, or distance?

Which weapon did Willoughby choose to fight Colonel Brandon in a Duel?
	Sword
	Pistol
pollcode.com free polls

Jane Austen Etiquette Throwdown

In your estimation, which of Marianne's etiquette faux pas in Sense and Sensibility was most egregious?

Willoughby cuts a lock of Marianne's hair

Which of Marianne's etiquette faux pas was most egregious?
	Allowing her rudeness to show to people she dislikes.
	Allowing Willoughby to cut a lock of her hair.
	Visiting Allenham alone with Willoughby.
	Mocking Colonel Brandon, Mrs. Jennings and the Middletons behind their backs.
	Accepting the gift of a horse from Willoughby.
	Writing letters to Willoughby when she arrives in London.
	Making a spectacle of herself when she sees Willoughby at the ball.
pollcode.com free polls

Marianne accepts the gift of a horse from Willoughby